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Oh No! I’m Having a Major Crisis!
Have you ever had a big dilemma? I mean a big dilemma—a major-crisis type of dilemma that seems completely impossible and unsolvable? A concern so big that you are sure it just might sink you? I have. I have had moments of extreme uncertainty, moments when the unknowns far outweigh any reasonable outcome. In fact, wouldn’t it be funny to know that is the very reason I’m even composing an article on dilemmas? Now, don’t lose faith in me while I admit that because I see this moment with beauty, actually. I see hope in this dilemma even as I’m freaking out about the impossibly of favorable resolution. Why? I don’t…
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Created Equal
By Gerry Baird On May 17, 2018, a new web site appeared that was shared prolifically. It was designed to look just like the LDS Church’s newsroom web site (even a media source was fooled) and contained an apology from the First Presidency for the racist practices that prevented black men from receiving the priesthood and all blacks from receiving living temple ordinances until 1978. To his credit, the author of the web site containing the false apology from the Church has since issued his own apology for the trauma it caused. The timing of the false press release was coordinated with discussions among top Church leaders and representatives from the NAACP.…
- Courage to Speak Up, Effects of Trauma on the Family, Fellowship, Mormon Culture, Vina Onstead's articles
Speaking Up for Those Who Suffer in Silence: Calling Out the Culture that is Destroying a Beautiful Religion
Chapter One: We Have A Christ Problem – A Lack Thereof I am a Mormon. I was born into this beautiful religion. And at no time will I debate my religion with anyone who is simply trying to bash it, disprove it, or make fun of it in any way. My religion saved my life, literally, so I am very protective of it. Respect that, please, as I respect your beliefs. However, religion is completely different from culture when it comes to religious communities. Most religions have a culture that was formed from the rules and guidelines you’re asked to live by as a member, and many outside forces warp…
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Help Wanted!
Hello! I am seeking help with the MTM. If you interested or know someone that might be, please email me: mormontraumamama@gmail.com: I am looking for an editor to review article submissions. Are you good at reviewing articles? Do you have time to review 1-2 articles a week and work with contributors? Do you have an eye for detail? Do you understand the MTM vision and purpose? (Loving, non-violent approach. Seeking appeal and understanding for church trauma to be considered as a real and viable concern in the LDS Church. Working to heal and empower trauma sufferers. Offering training and helpful tips for leaders and members.) I am in need of an analyzer. I have two…
- Danna Hartline's articles, Dissonance, Effects of Trauma on the Family, Healing, Mormon Culture, Self-Care, Unrighteous Dominion
What Is Mormon Trauma?
One of my personal favorite powerhouses of our day is an LDS woman, Liz Wiseman. She spoke at a BYU Devotional a few years ago on “The Power of Not Knowing.” While I loved her message, those words struck me anew when I sat down to write this article. The power of not knowing… Although Wiseman was talking about having the courage to move forward through uncertainty and new terrain, the idea of not knowing—of being ignorant or even “dumb”—can indeed sometimes be very deceptively empowering. When we truly don’t know—but think we do—we can teach certain principles and subjects with conviction because we may not have any knowledge of…
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AND: A Healthier Alternative
I once sat in a priesthood ordination in which the bishop asked: “Would those ‘worthy’ brethren asked to participate please come forward”. I recall feeling like crawling under the table because I was not ‘worthy’. I probably wouldn’t have felt so embarrassed and ashamed had it not been my son’s ordination. I was unworthy and all those other men were worthy. Have you ever thought about what that word means in Mormon culture? An even more fundamental question is why do Mormons continue to use that word? Why couldn’t the bishop have asked for ‘participant’ to come forward? The implications were (are) more than the immediate transaction. How many people…
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The Trouble with Trauma
By Gerry Baird When we think of those who have been injured in accidents, we do not generally come to the conclusion that they need lectures, social pressure or ostracization in order to heal. They may be challenged by a skilled physical therapist at the right time and in the right way, but otherwise their prescription is going to include a lot of rest under a doctor’s supervision. When we are dealing with spiritual wounds, however, the love and care we need can sometimes be neglected. Human Motivation Human motivation is a complex topic that has been debated by philosophers, politicians and spiritual leaders for millennia. In the last century,…
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Wounded in the House of Our Friends
By Tom Irvine And one shall say unto him, What are these wounds in thine hands? Then he shall answer, Those with which I was wounded in the house of my friends. (Zechariah 13:6) Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands… (Isaiah 49:16) * * * There have been several times in my life when I needed to make major changes, such as moving to a new neighborhood, starting a new job, etc. On several occasions, the Lord even forewarned me about upcoming changes in my life using some of the following Biblical principles, although he did not inform me of the specific details. …
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Lost Sheep
By Gerry Baird Christ’s parable about leaving the ninety and nine to search for the lost sheep is a beautiful story of love, and a model for the missionary work done by LDS Church members. Absent from this story, however, is the reaction of the other sheep when one of their members chooses to wander. Agency When the prodigal son decided he wanted to collect his inheritance and strike out on his own, his father allowed him to make that choice. This is because all have their agency. The sheep are not kept in the fold by force. Unfortunately, when members of the Church see someone struggling or leaving, they…
- Courage to Speak Up, Danna Hartline's articles, Mormon Culture, Post Traumatic Church Syndrome, Trauma vs. Offense
How Can the LDS Church Become a Hospital to the Traumatized?
By Danna Hartline “It’s not that I’m inactive or don’t believe, I just have a hard time going to a ward that treats my family and I like we don’t belong.” “Before my divorce, I felt like I belonged and felt very content with my church experience. But after divorcing, it was very hard to find my place.” “I always felt shamed and flawed. I felt like others were happy with church but I couldn’t be me there. I tried so hard to be perfect to achieve the same experiences of others.” These comments are not unusual for people suffering from church trauma. Church trauma? Isn’t church supposed to be helpful, or…
